by Emily Wooten
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
God, through David, paints a picture of a nurturing God. Psalms 23:1–3 speaks to God’s peace, provision, and comfort. In verse four, we see the writer acknowledging that life has challenges. We need to recognize those challenges when they come and do what God has instructed to get through them.
We will not fear what man can do to us. Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
The psalmist said, “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” In ancient times, a shepherd’s rod and staff were instruments of protection and direction. Carved on the staff were family symbols. When those who met you saw your staff, they could see your bloodline and all the tribes that were your allies. A little boy might not have looked ominous or threatening, but give him a staff that signified his entire family was behind him, and even a warrior would be hesitant to tangle with him.
A perfect example is David, the little shepherd boy facing the giant. In and of himself, David couldn’t fight or win against the terrible giant. But David knew the secret that Goliath did not understand. Paul said it in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Whatever we face, we know Romans 8:31… If God be for us, who can be against us? Nobody!
God has given us clear instructions in His Word. It is up to us to arm ourselves with His Word so that we are prepared when challenges come. We won’t fall prey to the enemy’s attack because we have God’s promises to protect our minds from fear. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
All the demons, angels, and people will quickly recognize that we have a champion defending us when we take His words and make them our own. That’s what David did when he faced his giant. He said in 1 Samuel 17: 45 You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand;
David knew—and we can know—that comfort too. Everywhere we go, in all we do, we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. His whole army is set in defense of us if we use God’s word as a weapon. We have to know it in order to be able to use it.
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